In a time when music often feels like an uproar of protest songs, Dutch artist Harry Kappen takes a surprising turn with his latest release, “Be Brave If You Can.” Kappen softens his approach and explores a more profound emotional openness.
From the very first notes of “Be Brave If You Can,” there’s a genuine honesty that invites you in. The song feels like sharing a quiet moment with a close friend after a long, tiring day, a time to reflect where true strength isn’t about shouting or fighting back, but about sitting quietly and acknowledging that things can be tough. The music is simple yet rich, allowing each lyric to resonate. Instead of asking listeners to be heroes, Kappen encourages us to embrace our humanity. Known for his passionate takes on social issues, Kappen now offers a different perspective, suggesting that one can find strength in the ups and downs of life. He describes the central message of the song as dealing with challenges while searching for the good within them. In a world filled with confusion, conflict, and power struggles, “Be Brave If You Can” addresses the emotional exhaustion many of us are feeling. It’s not a rallying cry, it’s a gentle reminder that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
What makes this song special is its calmness. There’s an unexpected strength in accepting our struggles, and a certain peace in taking a moment to pause. Rather than pushing listeners to rush back into action, Kappen simply gives us the freedom to just get through each day. In doing so, he redefines bravery for our complex modern lives, showing that it’s not always about taking significant, dramatic actions, but rather the small, everyday efforts that keep us moving forward.